- Address: Sveti Dordje, 2, Montenegro
- Water area: Kotor Bay
In Montenegro, the island of St. George (Sveti Dordje) or the island of the dead is located in the Boka Bay. It is of natural origin and is located near the city of Perast .
General information about the island of the dead
The island has an ancient abbey, which was founded in honor of St. George in the IX century. True, the first mention of it was only in 1166, but the architecture of the building speaks of an earlier time of erection. Until 1634 the island was subordinated and administratively treated Kotor , then the Venetians were in charge there, and in the 19th century - the French and the Austrians.
The island was often attacked by pirates (for example, the famous Ottoman naval robber Karadoz burnt the shrine to ashes), and in 1667 there was a strong earthquake. As a result of these events, the building of the abbey was completely destroyed several times and then restored again. The original appearance, unfortunately, did not survive.
Today at this place is a monastery with a picture gallery. On the walls of the temple hang the paintings of famous painters of the XIV-XV centuries, for example, Lovro Marinova Dobrishevich.
origin of name
The island of the Dead was named for having been buried for several centuries by famous perast captains and rich local residents. Each tombstone was decorated with a unique heraldic emblem.
And although at the moment there is practically nothing left of the cemetery, archaeologists and historians are digging and researching. Today there are 2 monastic courtyards with palm and cypress groves. Some burials were preserved on the territory of the church and one - near the entrance. There is the ashes of the founder of the temple - Marco Martinovic.
What else is the island famous for?
It has not only a rich and mysterious history, but also a picturesque nature with beautiful architecture. St. George's Island in Montenegro attracts sculptors, photographers, poets and other connoisseurs of art.
So, for example, the Swiss symbolist artist named Arnold Boklin from 1880 to 1886 wrote here the canvas "Island of the Dead". On it, against the background of gloomy vaults, is depicted a funeral boat, run by Charon, on which is located a coffin with a woman in white robes. In total there are 5 variants of this picture, 4 of which are in the most famous museums on the planet (in New York, Berlin), and the latter was destroyed during the Second World War.
Features of visit
Today St. George's Island is the property of the Catholic Church, and it houses a rest home for priests. This is a closed territory and official visits are prohibited.
Some desperate travelers and residents of Montenegro neglect the laws and sail to the island of the dead on boats. Many of them want to touch the history, wander through the alleys, visit the temple, see the ancient cemetery.
Usually tourists are brought to the island by pleasure boats, tour guides tell his story and local legends. Travelers are attracted to mysterious places covered in mystery.